THOMASVILLE — A year ago there was an empty space on Thomas University’s West Campus. Today there are two brand new residence halls that will soon be home to about 80 TU students. Many of the students, members of TU’s soccer teams, moved in today to get started practicing. Their first games will be later this month.

Construction on the new residence halls began in September 2015. The two buildings will house students in apartment-style suites. TU will also continue to use its original residence hall on South Pinetree Boulevard near the intersection with U.S. 319.

“As the number of our traditional age students continues to grow, so do requests to live in on-campus housing,” said Mike Lee, executive director of Student Life and Athletics. “Our students want to be involved in what’s happening on campus. From the new residence halls, it’s an easy walk to the gymnasium for a basketball game, to the fitness center in the Student Life Center for a quick workout or to a classroom in the Student Life Center. For activities happening on our other campus, it’s a quick one-mile trip on our shuttle bus. Students like this convenience, and this is part of the plan to create a truly interactive campus experience for our students.”

When Thomas University bought the former Magnolia High School campus in early 2011, the purchase expanded TU’s campus size from 29 acres to 74. The property brought dreams for expanding program offerings and housing for TU’s growing student population.

Since that time TU has drastically transformed the campus and turned it into a hub of activities for students. The two new residence halls are the first of six planned for the site. Construction is also under way on new soccer fields on the West Campus and renovation of another portion of the Student Life Center.

New student orientation at TU will be conducted Aug. 12 and 13. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 15.